SenegalMapFebruary 14...17, 18...19, 2014 One of the most developed and peaceful countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. ![]() Its main symbol is the baobab, which also happens to grow on ever corner. ![]() The kilometer markers are part of the country’s French colonial legacy. ![]() The government wants to see vehicle tax stickers on windshields. ![]() But the soul wants to see a portrait of Amadou Bamba, the Murid spiritual leader, who is particularly revered in Senegal (if the windshield isn’t possible, the rear window will also do). ![]() A telecom palm. ![]() A license plate. ![]() The traditional rural landscape is embellished with plastic bags, like in other African countries. ![]() DakarMapMost of the city’s notable details have to do with public transportation. The minibus stop signs are unusual. ![]() There are two main types of public transport. The first is the “car rapide”: a multicolored Renault bus that seats 20. ![]() The second is called “Ndiaga Ndiaye”: a white Mercedes 508 that seats 40. ![]() A pedestrian light. ![]() A vehicle light. ![]() Human silhouettes are set up along the highways to act as boogeymen. They’re supposed to remind drivers that real people sometimes run across the road. ![]() A bus stop. ![]() A Dakar trash can. ![]() A street sign. ![]() Open rain gutters run between the roadway and the sidewalk. ![]() Security guard booths outside embassies are customarily painted the colors of the embassy’s flag. ![]() The great thing about Senegal is that you can take photos of absolutely any policeman or security guard, any government institution or building, and no one will care. ![]() The city recently erected a new monument whose forms unmistakably betray the work of North Korean craftsmen. For , you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the woman from the man’s skullcap. ![]() GoréeMapGorée is an island situated a few kilometers away from Dakar. A wonderful, quiet place. ![]() In its time, it used to be a major slave-trading hub. ![]() How to properly shackle slaves. ![]() Once again, it’s amazing to see what trouble the colonists went to. They could have just dug a bunch of pits in the ground, but no—they built these buildings, and as a result today this is one of the few places in Africa where there’s actually something to see. ![]() The local trash cans are interesting: barrels equipped with a plastic collar that directs garbage inside. ![]() A fire hydrant. ![]() Major air defense points were set up here during World War II, but the local cannons have never fired. ![]() Lake RetbaMapThe Paris—Dakar rally used to finish at the famous Lake Retba (also known as Lac Rose, or “pink lake”). Then the stupid and greedy locals (particularly those in Mauritania) decided they weren’t getting a big enough share of the pie, and someone killed a couple of tourists. The race was moved to Chile and Argentina. The wind of adventure used to bring thousands of spectators and participants here. Now all the wind brings is salty foam. During the rally, the lake used to become almost red when the weather was hot, hence the name (the effect doesn’t appear at cooler temperatures). KaolackMapLogs and assorted trash are laid out on the highway at the approach to every town or city—much more effective than a “slow down” sign. ![]() In case you’ve ever wondered, this is what a mountain of peanuts looks like. ![]() SokoneMapThe villages in Senegal are fairly primitive. ![]() ZiguinchorMapA hut. ![]() A guy and his hoe. ![]() A monument. ![]() Children. ![]() A pole with a pretty plaque and an ugly anti-climbing collar. ![]() A street. ![]() A stamp salesman. ![]() An old French Art Deco post box. ![]() A superhero will come here any day now. ![]() Or won’t. ![]() |
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february 2014
Senegal
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